Chandigarh, June 17 -- Patients and attendants visiting the Nehru Hospital building at the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) have complained of inconvenience after autorickshaws and e-rickshaws were barred from entering through the facility's front gate, forcing many to take longer routes or walk to the hospital. PGIMER authorities said the restriction had been imposed to prevent traffic congestion near the Nehru Hospital complex and ensure smoother movement of vehicles within the campus. However, attendants said patients travelling in autorickshaws and e-rickshaws are being dropped nearly 200 metres from the main entrance of Nehru Hospital, forcing many, including elderly and ailing patients, to walk the remaining distance. Among those affected on Tuesday was 67-year-old Roshni Devi from Nahan in Himachal Pradesh, who was allegedly denied entry through the front gate of the hospital while travelling in an e-rickshaw. Her family members claimed that they informed security personnel that she was suffering from a tumour, had a urinary catheter installed and faced difficulty walking, but were still not allowed to proceed through the entrance near Gate No 1. According to Roshni Devi's relatives, the family was unfamiliar with the hospital premises and initially attempted to enter through another access point near the emergency wing but was allegedly turned back before eventually reaching the hospital building. Several other patients arriving in autorickshaws were also stopped at the entrance on Tuesday, according to attendants present at the spot. Many complained that they were either forced to pay additional fare to take a longer route or walk considerable distances in the afternoon heat. The Nehru Hospital building houses faculty offices as well as administrative offices, including those of the medical superintendent and chief security officer. The area in front of the building also has faculty parking. While cars and official vehicles continued to access the area, autorickshaws and e-rickshaws were not being allowed through the entrance. A security guard posted at the gate, requesting anonymity, said, "We have been strictly ordered to not let any auto rickshaw driver pass through it. Few days back, our officer had to wait due to auto rickshaw driver and so fresh orders have been passed." When contacted, PGIMER medical superintendent Dr Ashok Kumar reiterated that the restriction was aimed at preventing traffic congestion in the area and ensuring smooth movement within the hospital complex. The restriction, however, has triggered concerns among patients and attendants, who said special consideration should be given to all patients....